The NBA regular season is officially upon us. After a double header last night, the slate for tonight features 12 games, including the Sacramento Kings home opener at 9 PM ET. The Kings are hosting the revamped Portland Trail Blazers.
Both teams had busy off-seasons as they try to take the next step in a tough Western Conference. Portland’s moves were headlined by the addition of Jerami Grant and the draft selection of Shaedon Sharpe. The Kings effort to bolster their roster focused on adding shooting. Malik Monk and Kevin Huerter should do just that.
Sacramento Kings vs Portland Trail Blazers Odds, Spread, Over/Under
The spread for this game has been moving around in the last day or so. As of time of publication, the Kings are -2.5 (-112) and the total is set at 228.5. On the money line, the Kings are -146, meaning you must risk $146 in order to profit $100. The total payout of that bet would be $246. These odds are from the FanDuel Sportsbook.
Damian Lillard has the highest points over under at 24.5. Right behind him is his opposition at point guard, De’Aaron Fox at 23.5 points. Domantas Sabonis rebound total is at 11.5, a number that instantly jumped out when looking across this games markets.
The Kings are very limited in terms of rebounders. Only Sabonis and his backup, Richaun Holmes, truly excel in this area. Portland also relies on one big man and support from their wings, meaning the true bigs in this game could eat up a ton of misses.
Expect Sabonis to do exactly that, and cruising by the 11.5 number seems reasonably likely. Sabonis averaged 12.3 rebounds per game in 15 appearances for the Kings last season.
Kings Injury Report
Keegan Murray will not make his NBA debut against Portland tonight. While he has cleared protocols, he is still working through the physical requirements needed before returning to the court. Kevin Huerter, who was acquired via trade in the offseason, is on pace to play for the Kings. He is going to be starting in the backcourt next to De’Aaron Fox.
Sacramento Kings vs. Portland Trail Blazers Prediction
The Kings enter as slight favorites, but it’s possible the hype has built a little too much around this team. Early season ups and downs are very possible, although the same could happen in Portland.
For what it’s worth, the Kings looked to be firing on all cylinders as a unit throughout the preseason. Expect that chemistry and buy in to continue, though the absence of Murray is a big hit to the team’s offensive ability.
In a back-and-forth affair, the Kings combo of Fox and Sabonis will be too much for Portland and they’ll pull away in the fourth quarter.
Kings 117, Trail Blazers 108
Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.